Big 12 Expansion: 5 Things that could happen in Monday's Press Conference

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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With the Big 12 conference expecting to make some big announcements on Monday night during their press conference, here are five things that could happen.

It has been a wild few months for the Big 12 as a college football conference, and things could get even wilder after Monday night’s press conference.

On Monday, the Big 12 presidents and chancellors will meet and discuss whether or not they should expand the conference and add teams. Whether they decide to or not, we will have an answer from Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby on Monday night.

We are hearing all kinds of things coming out of the Big 12, but nothing is for certain. With that in mind, here are five scenarios that could play out during Monday night’s press conference.

Oct 8, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Oklahoma Sooners head coach Bob Stoops (L) talks with Texas Longhorns head coach Charlie Strong (R) before the game at Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

5. Nothing Happens

This is about as likely of a scenario as just about anything else that we’ve heard coming out of the Big 12. While it’s not the most exciting outcome, it wouldn’t be shocking to see the conference stay put and avoid adding any more teams.

One reason that this scenario could actually unfold is due to the conference’s TV deal. According to Pete Thamel from Sports Illustrated, the Big 12’s TV partners have reportedly been in discussion to pay the conference to not expand.

The current deal between the two sides includes a pro rata clause that would give the Big 12 $25 million per each school they add, incentivizing ESPN and FOX to make sure the conference doesn’t expand.

Thamel’s report claims that this is the most likely scenario, but that isn’t a consensus around the conference, and there are plenty of people around the country that would want to see something else happen.

Jul 18, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby speaks to the media during the Big 12 Media Days at Omni Dallas Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

4. Expansion is Pushed Back

In order for any school to get added to the Big 12 conference, they’re going to need to get eight out of ten votes from the conference presidents. If they can’t decide on any programs to add on Monday, they may consider revisiting the topic at a later date.

SB Nation’s Steven Godfrey reported that conference expansion being pushed back is the most likely scenario according to one of his sources.

Because of that voting requirement, it could be difficult for the Big 12 presidents to come to a general agreement on any schools that should be added. Some may want front-runner programs like Houston or Cincinnati while some could want a smaller school like UCF or even no expansion programs at all.

If they can’t decided on programs to bring in but still want to expand, this debate could continue into 2017.

Oct 14, 2016; Provo, UT, USA; Brigham Young Cougars running back Jamaal Williams (21) runs the ball in the third quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Lavell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports

3. Multiple Teams Join Big 12

With the Big 12 currently sporting 10 teams, it would make sense for the conference to expand to 12, just so we can finally have the appropriate number of teams in a conference called the Big 12.

Currently, there are 11 finalists for expansion. Those teams are Air Force, BYU, Central Florida, Cincinnati, Colorado State, Connecticut, Houston, Rice, South Florida, SMU and Tulane. A few programs stand out more than others, but there are still some legitimate schools in the mix that could wind up in the Big 12.

Again, it’ll be hard for the conference to get eight out of ten votes on any school (let alone two), but that all depends on how Monday night’s discussion goes. Schools that stand out as potential fits include Houston and Cincinnati, but another team that they could pair with one of those two programs that’s getting overlooked is the BYU Cougars.

Although the Cougars are never world beaters, they are a respectable program that could be one other school presidents wouldn’t mind having to play every year, making it easier for them to come into the Big 12 alongside another school.

Oct 1, 2016; Stillwater, OK, USA; Texas Longhorns head coach Charlie Strong and Oklahoma State Cowboys head coach Mike Gundy talk before the game at Boone Pickens Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Ferguson-USA TODAY Sports

2. Texas and others Block Houston

When it comes to football in the state of Texas, the Longhorns still rein supreme based off of reputation alone. However, with the possibility of the Houston Cougars joining the Big 12, that title (at least in the short run), could go to the current mid-major program.

That might not be something that the Longhorns and other programs are going to be ok with. The Cougars have quickly become one of the most powerful Group of Five schools in college football. Imagine how many recruits that they could steal away from other programs in the region if they joined the Big 12.

Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy had already previously voiced his concerns with Houston joining the conference back in August.

“The concern is, and where that comment is coming from, is if your northern schools put a southern school, and another school in Texas, in the same league, that essentially is going to pull recruits from all of us,” Gundy said. “That’s what it comes down to.”

If presidents aren’t interested in losing recruits, then it wouldn’t be surprising to see them keep Houston out of the Big 12 regardless of whether or not they add other programs.

Oct 15, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Cougars quarterback Greg Ward Jr. (1) throws the ball against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane in the first quarter at TDECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports

1. Houston Becomes a Big 12 Program

There isn’t a bigger front runner among the 11 expansion finalists than the Houston Cougars. They’re a reputable program that’s making a lot of noise, and although some schools might not want to compete with the Cougars, having them in the conference could help the overall reputation of the conference.

The biggest thing that could help Houston’s case is the fact that having another strong program in the Big 12 could help the conference champion’s College Football Playoff chances at the end of every season. Strength of schedule can play a huge role with the CFP committee, especially when it comes down to the final few teams.

If the Cougars are able to join the Big 12, everyone will be wondering if at least one more program will be added. Having an odd number of teams in the conference could make things more complicated, which is why adding two or four programs makes the most sense.

If any team is going to join the Big 12 on Monday night, Houston is the clear go-to favorite.